Love Notes- May 2026
One of the best ways I know to keep creativity alive is to give myself permission to do more of what I love….which is not always easy to do.
This past month marked the reopening of The Vintage Shop, and it feels so good to be back at it. Thank you for your orders, kind notes, and DMs. It means so much to feel this new chapter being so warmly received!
The goal is to sprinkle in a few new arrivals each week. I just added this incredibly rare Prada tote featuring scenes from the Venice canals. The print stopped me in my tracks—the colors, the ease, the feeling of a European summer vacation bottled up forever. And these iconic Chanel coin earrings from Spring 1995 are new too. And stay tuned, I have a collection of vibrant Pucci prints on the way.
With the shop back open, I’ve found myself face-to-face with an old question: how do I make room for everything I love? I don’t exactly know the answer but for now, I’m keeping things simple: I’m committed to two Substack & IG posts per week, a monthly newsletter recap, and daily stories. I want selling to feel like a natural extension of what I’m already sharing so it never loses it’s charm!
My vintage loving friend, Audrey, was in town a couple of weeks ago and we went to the Alameda Point Antiques Faire. I came home with the most gorgeous floral ottoman, the colors were just meant for me! Even the seller commented that it matched my jacket, haha.
It’s in mint condition and the twisted tassels just completely won me over. It wasn’t on my shopping list, but sometimes you come across something too good not to try. Fortunately, it found the perfect home in my living room!
My next mission is finding a new TV cabinet. The current one I have is an old IKEA piece with a giant hole in the bottom from a small electrical fire a few years ago. It’s surprisingly functional thanks to its slim width, which is probably why I’ve put off replacing it for so long, but it’s not exactly inspiring to look at.
I’d love to find something beautiful that can also house my vintage inventory, so I’m committing to checking Facebook Marketplace daily for the next three months before considering something new.
The direction I’m imagining is similar to the pieces above—something unique with a lived in vintage feel. I’d really love to share more home inspiration here over time. Until then, you can always see what I’m collecting along the way on ShopMy.
My favorite room designed by Chantal Lamberto
I was so inspired by the Annual Decorator Showcase here in San Francisco. It runs through May if you haven’t been yet!
My favorite room designed by Chantal Lamberto, felt like a big hug to my nervous system. I fell in love with the fabric striped wallpaper, English style vintage furniture, Delft tile, and French chandelier. I also pinned a bunch of photos from the Nantucket project in her portfolio.
But there’s really something about being able to touch fabrics and materials that instantly lights me up. In another life, I’d love to be an interior designer (or a naturopath, but I digress). At one point, I turned to my friend while running my hand over a piece of marble and said, “Can you believe this comes from our earth?”
It’s been a big Human Design month too.
A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure of leading a workshop for a 40th birthday celebration in wine country. Seven women gathered over a homemade brunch in pajamas, to explore their charts together. It was such a meaningful and memorable way to mark a milestone.
The conversations that unfolded—comparing, reflecting, and encouraging one another—were exactly why I love this work. If you’re ever interested in creating something similar for a birthday, retreat, or gathering, I’d love to connect!
I’ve also been developing a new team mapping workshop focused on how the different Human Design energy types collaborate within organizations to help keep energy moving efficiently. I’ll be facilitating it for a digital marketing agency this July.
And in just a few weeks, I’ll be giving a Human Design talk at The Battery here in San Francisco—my biggest talk yet. I think I’m getting better at the structure—this book helped. As I’ve been preparing, my coach asked me a question: What energy do you want to bring into the room?
After sitting with it, I think my answer is grounded confidence and warmth. That insight has shaped not only how I’m preparing, but what I’m going to wear too. I’m considering either a beautiful dress or a jacket and pants. Would you lead with the energy of confidence or warmth?
These are four options I’ve been thinking about….
Lastly, a few random favorites from this month:
A clarifying shampoo I’ve been using 1x a week to help manage oil buildup.
Cute grocery shopping lists for the fridge…. oh, the little strawberries.
A vitamin C serum that smells incredible. I’ve never tried a product I didn’t love from Ursa Major…also indulging in this face polish.
Cooling eye patches that feel amazing.
Saltyface gradual self-tanner—easy to apply, no staining, and very natural-looking.
The Alexis Smart Floral Remedy Expanded, which is helping me notice the contraction that needs attention before expansion can happen.
Just finished the book Unreasonable Hospitality, which I absolutely loved. One quote that has stayed with me: “The way you do one thing is the way you do everything.”
This little season has felt like a return to creativity and trusting what naturally wants to grow.
It has also invited me to slow down and tend to a little contraction in the form of some stubborn ear pain that required a round of steroids and some antibiotics. Thankfully, I’m feeling better and very much on the up and up.
My mom is visiting this weekend, and I’m grateful for the chance to slow down, celebrate, and integrate all that’s been unfolding. Much Love, Jillian
